We’ve just had the first official word on Martyn Ashton’s condition after his fall at the start of the month:

Martyn Ashton, international mountain bike trials legend, ex-World Champion and star of the Road Bike Party YouTube sensation, was injured during a trials demo held on Sunday 1st September at Silverstone’s Moto GP, England. During one of the stunts on the Animal WD40 Action Sports Tour, Martyn fell backwards off of a three metre-high bar and hit the ground with significant force. The impact caused severe damage to his spine, dislocating the T9 and T10 vertebrae. After paramedics stabilised him at the scene, Martyn was swiftly airlifted to Coventry Hospital where he received emergency treatment and was admitted to Intensive Care.

New Day, Different Trial
The initial prognosis is not positive: Martyn has currently lost feeling below the point of injury. He has now been moved to RJ&AH Hospital Oswestry’s Specialist Spinal Care Unit where he is receiving treatment and undergoing further tests to assess the extent of his injuries and to map the road to recovery.

Martyn’s office, where he worked best.

The current medical plan is for Martyn to undergo six weeks of complete bed rest to allow his body to heal itself as much as possible. At that point a lot more will be known as to the long term recovery he will be able to expect. Once the joint is stable he will then undertake a long and hard rehabilitation programme.

“Since the accident I’ve received so many wonderful messages and well wishes, I can’t thank everyone enough for those – it has been hugely supportive,” said Martyn. ”I’m also incredibly lucky to have amazing family and friends, who are all rallying around myself, Lisa and Alfie, and helping us through this tough time. As a result I’m feeling very positive and ready to face the tough challenge ahead. I’m just taking it day by day, hoping that I can make enough progress over the next three months to be home for Christmas.”

Secret Filming
It’s currently too early to say what long term recovery Martyn can expect, however he is keen for everyone to know he is absolutely focused on his care and is also determined to release his next video, Road Bike Party 2, which he has been secretly working on.

One of the cheeriest guys out there. Get well soon.

“My main focus this year was to make my next video Road Bike Party 2 – this has not changed. I’ve been training really hard on the new road bike and I’ve felt like I’ve been riding better on this video than I’ve ever ridden in my entire life. I was so confident on that bike. Unfortunately we hadn’t quite completed the filming – we were so close – but thanks to the team behind me and some great friends I’m excited that we are close to pulling the final edit together… so watch this space!”

We’ve known Martyn for many, many years and we know that we speak for all of Singletrack’s readers when we wish him the best and all our hope for a full recovery. We look forward to seeing his cheery smile again soon. Be well, matey.

Gutting to hear the severity of his injury, remember being inspired in my ‘yoof’ by tricks and stunts.
Healing thoughts for one of the cheeriest people I’ve ever had the pleasure of giving a thumbs up too on the motorway.